The Ramos roundup is a weekly Philadelphia Sports column highlighting all the pertinent news of the week featuring the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Union. For part one, click here.
Does James Harden stay or go?
Earlier in the week, it appeared when star guard James Harden opted into his $35.6 million option for the 2023-24 season, that the Sixers would be exploring the trade market for the 33-year-old. However, as rumors will be, rumors will go awry. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Sunday, it is now “more than conceivable” that Harden could remain in Philadelphia at least through training camp as Philly scours the market for the right assets in return. Sixers GM Darryl Morey is notoriously known for driving a hard bargain and holding out for the best possible deal in trades. He still may do that here with the future Hall of Famer.
Best case scenario? The Sixers get this finished before it bleeds into the next season. For a team that stills fancies itself a contender, the less distraction the better. Instead of playing chicken with Harden’s camp, I’d soon rather Philly cut its losses and trade Harden for the best deal you can, even if it doesn’t net a “star” player in return, per say. The Sixers would be just as better off with more depth.
Sixers sign Pat Beverly
On Saturday, the Sixers added some grit and leadership with the addition of guard Pat Beverly on a one-year deal.
MichkovMania
When the NHL Draft took place on Wednesday, the Flyers welcomed 7th overall pick Matevi Michkov to the organization, much to the excitement of Flyers fans everywhere. The Russian phenom is seen by many scouts and pundits as the best, pure offensive forward of the entire 2023 draft class next to Canadian Wunderkind Connor Bedard.
So why the slide down the draft board? Well, Michkov isn’t slated to make his way to Philadelphia until his KHL deal ends in 2026. Plus, the Russian/Ukraine conflict and potential military service in the future could hinder the possibility he comes to America anytime soon. But let’s be blunt here; the Flyers have been starving for talent and this is exactly the kind of risk appetite a team needs to climb out of the hole of mediocrity Philadelphia has been in for quite some time.
If Matevi Michkov reaches his potential, he’ll give the Flyers their first true superstar since Eric Lindros.
Phillies drop 2-of-3 to the lowly Nationals
With Sunday’s 5-4 loss to the Nationals, the Phils drop to 44-39 on the season and 6-4 in their last 10 games. For more on the Phillies as they head out a 6-game road trip through Florida, check out the Bell Smashers Podcast here.
Martinez an All-Star for Union
The Union announced last week that midfielder Jose Martinez has been named to the gameday roster for the 2023 MLS All-Star Game. The MLS All-Stars will face English Premier League’s Arsenal FC at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, July 19th.
